Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1887-03-27

TO get homes, then it follows that the bill
ny which it is intended TO irrigate the
PecOS valley is q step in the right direc-
tiOn. 1t is TACT admitted BY ell con-
versant with that valley that the soil is
all that could be desired, inst there is
sufficient wa er to irrigate nearly or qUite
800, 900 acres ana that in their present
condition these valley lands are almost
worthless either for agriculture or pas
turage. Nature evidently intended THIS
valley to be irrigated. Now the ques-
tion is, how can 1t best be
done? The state owns nearly
or quite One.half of these lands, hence
the state can afford to assist in their de
velOpment, and if the state lands are sold
at 81 per acre to company who will
construct canal by which the balance
OF the states lands shall be increased IN
value, the state has lost nothing IN
money, and has furnished facilities tor
thousands of people to get homes in one
Of the finest valleys of the state, and will
at once begin to accumulate thousands of
dollars 10 the school fund by
the Interest on sales of
her remaining lands and the taxes on the
improvements of the settlers. There is
no reason why, with wise legislation
now, the valley of the Pecos should not
support within the next ten years 100 900
people. In many sections of the state we
haVe q continual conflict of interest be-
tween the stOckmen and settlers. This
can be avoided in the section named, and
indeed, in any part of the state where
there are favorable conditions for irriga-
ton, by taking out canals which will an
swer tWofOld purpose, furnishing water
to the stock on the upper side
while it also furnishes water for the veg
citation on the lower side. We know
from undeniable authority that every
person in that country, be he stOckman or
the tiller of the soil, desires this much
needed legislation. Experiments with
river water on irrigated gardens near
PeCOs City last year furnish undoubted
proof Of the fertility of the soil and prac-
tiCability of irrigation. The question is,
will the Legislature assist those people
to adopt system of farming which has
proved so beneficial, not only to the
people, but TO the states as well,
of California and Colorado, or
will it refuse to assist the people and
as sist the school fund because the irriga-
ton company may make some money 0y
the operation? The projectors Of this
enterprise are not able within themselves
to furnish sufficient means, we under
stand, to take out this canal It is esti-
mated to cost something rear $780, 900
This sum can be raised in California Or
New York with this land as 8 basis for the
loan. The high standing Of the gentle
men composing the irrigation com
panE, most OF whom We know,
for integrity and push, is an
evidence that the plans proposed
will be carried out. TIE Legislature
should compel the company, if the sale of
the land is made, 10 ALLEVIATE it to indi-
viduals within given reasonable time,
aud should project The future consumers
Of the water from eXOrbitaDt prices on the
same. We predict, If the bill passes, that
every member who votes for it will be
proud OF his record when he sees the
transformation that will occur in the
PecO5 valley.
THE LAND BILL.
The free conference committe on Senator
McDOnaId's substitution bill held q meet
ing this evening to consider the House
amendments to the dill TO which the
Senate refused so agree. Almost every
House amendment for the benefit of the
actual settler was killed in the committee
room.
EXCURSION TO THE GRANITE QUARRY.
An excursion train viii leave the North
western depot tomorrow morning at
O'Clock TO accommodate Senators, Repre-
sentatiYes and newspaper men who de-
sire to VISIT the granite Quarries near
Burnet. The invitation Is extended by
Mr.. Gus Wilke, the capitol contractor.
THE GEOLOGICAL RILI..
The spirit of ridicule exhibited by some
of the members of the House Yesterday
during the discussion on the geological
bill, has been the subject Of mu:h com
ment by Senators, members and visitors
to the capitol. But few commend this
method Of opposition to worthy meas
ure, and express themselves as believing
that the bill should have at least COM
manded respectful consideration from
its opponents, if Tor 70 other reason
than to show our appreciation
of the offer of the general government.
One gentleman seid "rhAt it was Qu4s-
tiona0le whether any good came from de-
bRtes where legislators appealed to the
pre iudiCes and passions Of men and not
10 their reason" He was not prepared
to say that this method o6 debate was re-
sorted to for the purpose OF gratifying
the personal feelings and ambitions OF
the opponents of the bill, but it was Ger
tainly not calculated to iippress the friends
Of the bill that it Wes defeated upon its
merits. One thing is evident, that out of
the debate on this geological bill has
grown q spirit Of enmEty between md
giduals.
APPROVED BY TEE GOVERNOR.
The Governor approved tne following
bills yesterday:
House bill No. go, for the better pre-
lection Of fish and game.
House. DILL No. l85, changing some IL
iiCial districts.
Senate bill No. 2e9, relating to the de-
scent and dlstrt1auon of estates.
Senate bill No. 2i9, in regard 10 yezUe
Of suits fer damages growing cut OF 6t-
c7cAment and sequesJratiOn suits.
Senate bill No. 2$9, relating to Eacov-
Z CT damages for injuries resulting in
death.
Senate bill No. 1876, to relieve sac citi-
zen8 81 Calhoun county FROM the. payment
Of taxes. /
Senate bill No. 27I, j. regard 80 report
ing fugi5ives from justice 20 Adlutant-.i
General.
Senate bill No. ?, to restore jurisdfctioa
to county courts of Live Oak, K4rres,
"a Sale, Kendall, Coryell, Pamela sad
counties.
Senate bill No. I99, repeating article
1870 u the Code of Criminal Proce dare.
Senate bill No. I45, in regard TO keep
ing archives of tbs Congress OF the Re
pu6liC OF Trxas.
House bill No SIS, changing The Law in
regard to appeals and wits OF error from
certain named counties.
House bill No. 5O1, creating the Forty